Colorado Crackdown: Inside the Federal Operation Against Tren de Aragua

A massive federal operation in Colorado has stunned residents with its reach into the underworld of gang activities, promising to prioritize public safety amid looming threats.

At a Glance

Federal agents detained approximately 50 members of the Tren de Aragua gang in Colorado.
The operation targeted gang members and illegal immigrants with criminal records.
Authorities seized illicit drugs, weapons, and cash.
The raids are part of “Operation Return to Sender,” focusing on deporting dangerous criminals.

Operation Targets Venezuelan Gang Tren de Aragua

Federal narcotics agents executed a sweeping overnight raid, detaining 50 individuals linked to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Colorado. Aurora, a city plagued by the gang’s criminal endeavors, was the epicenter of this crackdown. The law enforcement operation, a pivotal part of “Operation Return to Sender,” aimed to deport illegal immigrants with criminal histories, thereby restoring public safety in crime-affected areas.

A combined force of DEA agents, ICE, and local law enforcement took action in Adams County, just outside Denver, during an “invite-only party” that doubled as a criminal hub. Their efforts weren’t without reward—illicit drugs, including the dangerous “pink cocaine,” alongside weapons and cash, fell into the hands of law enforcement as evidence of the gang’s illicit activities.

Tren de Aragua: A Growing Threat

Many arrested in the raids are part of the vicious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, known for spreading its venomous influence through drug distribution across the United States. The gang’s presence has contributed to an increase in unsafe conditions in various communities, prompting officials to act decisively. Federal authorities handed over these criminals to ICE for further processing.

“We want the country to know that we will all support the president’s priority to round up the most dangerous illegal criminals” – DEA acting administrator Derek Maltz

Despite the operation’s success, authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, have remained tight-lipped about pending charges or deportations. Their silence, however, does not hide the urgency with which they are treating this matter, reminiscent of the zero-tolerance approach to illegal immigrants with criminal ties prevalent during the first Trump administration era.

Public Safety: Federal and Local Agencies Unite

This meticulous operation involved collaboration across multiple agencies, including the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, metro Denver law enforcement agencies, and the ATF. Their coordinated efforts targeted a makeshift nightclub serving as a hotbed of criminal activity, leading to substantial seizures.

“The citizens of this country must feel safe every day throughout the country. One of my goals is to help build an army of good to fight evil.” – Derek Maltz